Dee Eskridge, the Seahawks’ second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, is currently a free agent and has been granted a tryout with the 49ers as the 2024 season approaches. Eskridge, who spent time with the Miami Dolphins after being waived by Seattle in 2024, has a mixed NFL career marked by injuries and limited impact. Despite this, his past performances against the 49ers—including a touchdown and a 66-yard kick return—have drawn attention to his potential role on the team.
Dee Eskridge’s Career and 49ers’ Interest
Eskridge’s tenure with the Seahawks was disrupted by injuries, including a severe concussion in the 2021 season opener, which limited his opportunities. He was waived by Seattle in 2024 and later signed with the Dolphins, where he appeared in 19 games, catching seven passes for 106 yards and returning 33 kicks for 872 yards. His most notable moments against the 49ers came in 2021, when he scored his only NFL touchdown, and in 2023, when he recorded his longest kick return of the season.
If Eskridge signs with the 49ers, it would mark the second time a 2021 Seahawks draft pick ends up in San Francisco. Stone Forsythe, the other 2021 second-round pick, is currently with the Carolina Panthers, while Tre Brown briefly played for the 49ers before being released.
Stribling’s Draft and Analyst Criticism
The 49ers’ decision to select Ole Miss wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling with the 33rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft has sparked criticism from analysts. ESPN’s Seth Walder called the move a head-scratcher,
noting that Stribling’s late rise in the draft and the team’s existing depth at wide receiver made the selection questionable. Reaching in the draft is bad process,
Walder wrote, adding that the 49ers could have targeted Stribling in a later round.
Stribling, who ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the combine, was projected as a second-round pick by NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein. His speed and size (6-foot-2, 207 pounds) made him an attractive prospect, but his lack of a breakout college season and concerns about his consistency led to hesitancy among teams. The 49ers, however, saw potential in his ability to add “juice” to their offense, as the team finished the 2023 season without a single offensive player exceeding 20 mph with the ball in their hands, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
Despite the criticism, the 49ers’ decision to sign veteran wide receiver Mike Evans to a $42.4 million, two-year deal has been praised. It meant the team could upgrade at wide receiver without sacrificing its future financial situation,
Walder wrote.
Contract Details and Financial Implications
Stribling’s contract, a four-year, $13.3 million deal, reflects the financial risks associated with his draft position. This structure allows the team to manage its cap while investing in a player who, according to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, could get on the field right away
due to his speed.
It’s a testament to Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers that Evans wanted to take it to play for San Francisco,
Walder wrote, underscoring the team’s reputation as a destination for competitive players.
What’s Next for the 49ers’ Offense?
Their wide receiver corps, now including Christian Kirk and the developmental Stribling, faces the challenge of improving upon last season’s struggles.
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